Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


Academic Information

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making,  in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.

The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:

  • integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology
  • ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice
  • multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os)
  • application of  health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation

This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


Careers

What Can I Do with a Doctor of Philosophy in Combined Counseling/School Psychology?

Combined doctoral training across counseling and school psychology prepares students more broadly than traditional programs, to more flexibly address school and behavioral health needs of rural Arizona communities through the application of research and practice.

Integration of theory, research, and practice comprise the core of the Combined Counseling/School Psychology training program at Northern Arizona University. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications. Our doctoral program reflects a training curriculum that is sequential, cumulative, and graded in complexity.

Students are expected to gain essential skills in both counseling and school psychology by taking courses that reflect common knowledge across both areas and by taking courses that train specific aspects of counseling psychology and school psychology. In addition, students may also take elective courses in counseling psychology or school psychology and gain additional clinical and research experience in settings related to one or both areas.

Upon program completion, trainees will be able to effectively intervene in educational, emotional, and behavioral arenas with individuals, families, groups, and organizations.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Licensed Psychologist
  • State credentialed school psychologist (if students do a school psychology internship)
  • College or university professor in Counseling Psychology and/or School Psychology

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 123
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Dissertation

Dissertation is required.

Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research is required.
Licensure

This program may lead to licensure.

Purpose Statement

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental ...systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making,  in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.
 
The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:


Student Learning Outcomes

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Doctoral Requirements
Additional Information
More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy


Campus Availability

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